Telecommunications companies, like other corporations, have wined and dined power brokers this week at events mostly closed to the public and press.

While Qwest and Verizon have hosted parties, AT&T has topped the telecom efforts by hosting at least 14 events. AT&T is the official wireless provider for the convention.

Qwest spokeswoman Jennifer Barton said the Denver-based company sponsored three events at the Denver Art Museum and one at the Grand Hyatt, all closed to the public. She said the events were about building relationships but wouldn’t say who attended.

“We’re not really releasing the guest lists,” she said.

Qwest was the Democratic National Convention’s official telecom provider, giving $6 million in cash and services.

Among the issues important to telecom companies are expansion of broadband video services and so-called net neutrality, dealing with access to the Internet.

Thursday, AT&T hosted a private brunch for the New Democrat Coalition at a residence on the 16th Street Mall. Founded in 1997, the coalition is made up of moderate members of Congress.

“We’ve participated in presidential elections in the past, so this is not new,” said Mike Balmoris, a spokesman for AT&T. “We view this as fulfilling our role as a good public citizen.”

Nancy Watzman, who directs the nonprofit Sunlight Foundation’s “Party Time” website, solicits invitations for hush-hush corporate receptions and political fundraisers and posts them on the Web.

“Creating goodwill with legislators is a good business plan for (companies),” she said.

Verizon hosted a party at Tamayo on Thursday through its philanthropic foundation in partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. It was open to the news media.

Four members of Congress attended, including Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. Waters said it was OK for her attend the event since “policy is not discussed at these parties.”

Patrick Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation, said the event was to further caucus educational goals, not curry favor with legislators.

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